{"data":{"id":"us-pa/44-pa.c.s.-7172","jurisdiction":"us-pa","citation":"44 Pa.C.S. § 7172","heading":"Incompetence.","body":"(a) Inquiry.--A court of common pleas with competent jurisdiction may inquire into the official conduct of the constable if any of the following apply:\n(1) A surety of the constable files a verified petition alleging that the constable is incompetent to discharge official duties because of intemperance or neglect of duty.\n(2) Any person files a verified petition alleging that the constable is incompetent to discharge official duties for a reason other than intemperance or neglect of duty. This paragraph includes an act of oppression of a litigant or a witness.\n(b) Determination.--If the court determines that the constable is incompetent to discharge official duties, the following apply:\n(1) The court may:\n(i) require additional security from the constable; or\n(ii) remove the constable from office.\n(2) Upon removal under paragraph (1)(ii), the court may appoint a suitable individual to fill the vacancy until a successor is elected and qualified. The appointed individual must have a freehold estate with at least $1,000 beyond incumbrance or furnish security.","path":["Title 44 - LAW AND JUSTICE","PART IV OTHER OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS","CHAPTER 71 CONSTABLES","SUBCHAPTER H PENALTIES AND REMEDIES"],"source_url":"https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM\u0026ttl=44\u0026div=0\u0026chpt=71\u0026sctn=72\u0026subsctn=0","current_through":"2026-07-29 (Statute Update stamp, 44 Pa.C.S.)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-02T16:33:23Z","sha256":"4bd73264569c58ba5be6ea95b8544ec53eca770b6a6c108e377033f2841ae52f","source_id":"us-pa","stale":false,"prev":"us-pa/44-pa.c.s.-7171","next":"us-pa/44-pa.c.s.-7173"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}